Architecture Biennale

The 12th Venice International Architecture Biennale gets underway this year on 29 August 2010, with the International Architecture Exhibition directed by Kazuyo Sejima on a theme of 'People Meet in Architecture'.

New Zealand has never sent a national entry to the Biennale (although students from the University of Auckland did participate about 15 years ago) - something Tony van Raat of Unitec thinks it is time to address. With endorsement from the NZIA Council, van Raat has put together a team comprising himself (as Creative Director), Nicholas Stevens and Gary Lawson (Design Leaders), John Walsh, Krystina Kaza, and Chris McKenzie and Hamish Nevill (Holmes Consulting). The team has also secured support from Karen Walker (who will provide staff uniforms), Carter Holt Harvey (for materials), and New Zealand Strong Construction (who have offered a discounted rate on construction).

"The proposal is to create a removable pavilion in a public space," explains Van, " a free-form timber object - somewhat mysterious and ambivalent, beautifully crafted, which closer up will reveal itself as a bar where you can have a glass of New Zealand wine.

"It will be staffed with young New Zealanders and there'll be books and magazines about New Zealand design culture to take away.

"It won't be completely weather proof and will be run off the grid - lighting will be kerosene or candles, the glasses will be washed in sterilizing solution - but it will be a premier architectural exhibition space that can be taken away and set up elsewhere afterwards."

The crux of the proposal is (as is often the case) funding. so dig deep if you can. The estimated cost is around $400,000 all up (that includes transportation etc) and the team need support from the profession (and elsewhere). For more information/ or suggestions, get in touch with Van.

Meanwhile, across the Tasman architectural photographer John Gollings and Melbourne-based architect Ivan Rijavec will lead the creative team for the 'official' Australian Pavilion.

The team's two-part exhibition, 'NOW + WHEN Australian Urbanism', will highlight three of Australia's most interesting urban regions as they are now, and then show futuristic urban environments as they might be in 2100. The three urban regions featured in the 'NOW' section will be Sydney, Melbourne and Surfers Paradise. Stereoscopic images will show three-dimensional views of the cities from 20,000 feet, while specific urban and architectural landmarks will be shown in 'helicoptering' video imagery. Australian architects have been asked to submit 3D entries for inclusion by entering an 'Ideas for Australian Cities 2100' national competition.

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